Canada is a beautiful country with friendly cities, but some areas are becoming less safe, especially this year. Crime is increasing in certain urban areas, and they’re getting a bad reputation. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them completely, but be aware of where and when to be more cautious.
Which are the worst cities in Canada that you should think twice before visiting? Let’s break down the ten most dangerous and ten safest cities in Canada.
What Makes Some Canadian Cities So Dangerous?
Canada’s cities experience different levels of crime, and the reasons for this can be complex. To understand why some cities might have more crime than others, we need to look at several factors that work together to influence crime rates. These factors include:
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Crime Severity Index (CSI): This measures how serious crime is in a city. It doesn’t just count the number of crimes but looks at how severe each crime is. For example, a violent crime like assault is considered more serious than a minor theft, so it has a bigger impact on the CSI. It gives a clearer picture of how dangerous a city really is.
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Economic struggles: When people face financial problems, like unemployment or money troubles, crime tends to rise. For example, during tough economic times, people might commit property crimes, like theft or fraud, to survive. Criminal groups also take advantage of these hard times by getting involved in illegal activities and businesses.
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Drug Use: The use of illegal drugs is strongly connected to crime. Drugs are often behind both violent crimes (like assaults) and non-violent crimes (like theft). When the economy is bad, drug use and drug-related crimes increase because people may turn to drugs as a way to cope with their problems.
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Social Instability: When there are considerable gaps between the rich and the poor, and people are struggling with poverty, there’s often more violent crime. In these areas, there’s a higher chance of assaults, robberies, and even murders. Gangs can also become more powerful in these unstable neighborhoods.
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Policing: How well the police can control crime is a key factor. Police can help prevent crime through strategies like having more officers around, working with the community, and focusing on specific types of crime. But if police don’t have enough resources or can’t respond quickly, it makes it harder to stop crime.
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Suburban and Rural Challenges: Small towns and rural areas face their own problems. Response times for emergencies are slower, and they have fewer resources, which can make it harder to deal with crime. Recently, these areas have seen more violent crimes rise, even more than in big cities. This means they need special crime-prevention methods.
These factors determine how safe or unsafe a place is. By looking at them closely, we can see patterns or trends, like certain areas having higher crime rates or specific times when crimes happen more.
The Most Dangerous Cities in Canada 2025 (By Highest Crime Rate)
Here are the cities in Canada that top the list as the most dangerous in 2025, according to the Crime Index:
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Surrey, British Columbia: Surrey has the highest Crime Index in Canada at 64.7. While overall crime has decreased, there are still rising issues with identity theft and large thefts. Rapid growth and economic inequality are big factors behind crime. Tourists should be especially cautious in high-crime areas.
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Kelowna, British Columbia: Kelowna’s Crime Index is 62.1. The city struggles with theft, fraud, and substance abuse issues, all contributing to crime. The growing population is putting more pressure on public safety. People should be careful with their belongings in areas prone to property crimes.
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Sudbury, Ontario: Sudbury has a Crime Index of 61.9, with a focus on drug-related crimes and theft. Economic challenges and lack of mental health services are key factors. Tourists should avoid poorly lit areas at night to stay safe.
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Winnipeg, Manitoba: Winnipeg has a Crime Index of 60.5, with high rates of violent crimes like assaults and homicides. Gang activity and social inequality contribute to the crime. Visitors should stay cautious, especially in areas known for violence.
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: Sault Ste. Marie has a Crime Index of 60.2, mostly due to property crimes like theft and break-ins. Economic struggles and limited public safety resources make it hard to combat crime. Tourists should be careful in areas where theft is common.
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Hamilton, Ontario: Hamilton’s Crime Index is 55.8, driven by unemployment and economic difficulties. These lead to high rates of property crimes like break-ins. Visitors should be careful with their belongings and avoid leaving valuables in public spaces.
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Brampton, Ontario: Brampton has a Crime Index of 55.3, influenced by its growing population and organized crime. Vehicle theft and other property crimes are common. Tourists should stay aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
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Kamloops, British Columbia: Kamloops has a Crime Index of 54.8, with property crimes like theft being common. Economic pressures from urban growth contribute to higher crime rates. Visitors should keep their belongings secure, particularly in areas with more crime.
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London, Ontario: London’s Crime Index is 53.9, mainly due to property crimes like theft and fraud. Economic challenges and substance abuse contribute to these crimes. Visitors should stay alert, especially in areas where theft is common.
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Regina, Saskatchewan: Regina’s Crime Index is 53.4, with violent crimes like assault and robbery being common. Economic struggles and social inequality are big factors in the crime rate. Tourists should avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
When exploring Canada’s beautiful landscapes and cities, safety should always be a priority. One way to stay secure in areas where safety might be a concern is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. This allows you to access real-time local information and stay in touch with loved ones or emergency services without relying on Wi-Fi.
Stay connected and ready, wherever you are across Canada’s most dangerous cities.
Is Canada Safe? What You Need to Know About Crime in Major Cities
Yes, Canada is generally a safe place to live and visit, with lower violent crime rates compared to many other countries. However, crime can be more common in some areas than others. For example, some parts of Canada, like the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, have higher crime levels, while places like Ontario and Quebec are safer. For tourists, popular spots like Whistler and Banff are usually safe. Overall, while there are some areas with more crime, Canada continues to be a safer country than many other places around the world.
10 Safest Cities in Canada in 2025
Here are the safest cities in Canada for 2025, ranked by their impressively low Crime Index scores:
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Quebec City, Quebec: Quebec City is the safest city in Canada with a very low crime rate. The city has a Crime Index of 22.2, fewer crimes compared to other places. For every 100,000 people, only 2,520 crimes happen, much lower than the national average. This is because of good policing, with police solving 60% of violent crimes. People in Quebec City feel safe, with 77% saying they feel comfortable walking alone at night.
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Oakville, Ontario: Oakville, with a Crime Index of 26.1, is another very safe city. The city is well-planned, and residents are active in keeping it safe. It is close to Toronto, which brings in good economic opportunities, reducing the financial pressures that can lead to crime. While detailed crime numbers aren’t available, Oakville is known for its low crime rate, thanks to its strong community and police efforts.
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Burlington, Ontario: Burlington has a Crime Index of 29.7, and it’s known for being a safe, family-friendly city. The city focuses on community programs that bring people together and keep crime low. It also invests in public safety infrastructure, like surveillance and good police presence, which helps keep crime levels down. The city’s efforts in making sure residents feel secure have made it one of the safest cities in Ontario.
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Ottawa, Ontario: Ottawa, the capital of Canada, has a Crime Index of 31.3. The city is known for having a trustworthy police force and effective law enforcement. Being the nation’s capital, Ottawa gets steady investment in safety programs, such as policing, emergency services, and crime prevention initiatives. These efforts have kept crime levels low, making it a safe place to live.
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Montreal, Quebec: Montreal’s Crime Index is 32.8. Despite being a large city, Montreal keeps crime rates lower than other big cities through investment in safety and good policing. The city also focuses on community-based crime prevention programs, which work to reduce crime. People feel safe in Montreal, thanks to the efforts to make the city secure, despite its size.
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Calgary, Alberta: Calgary has a Crime Index of 38.4. The city focuses on preventing property crimes and violent crimes through effective policing. Community programs also help residents stay engaged in keeping the city safe. Calgary’s economy is strong, providing resources to support crime-reduction programs, which helps keep crime rates lower than in many other cities.
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Guelph, Ontario: Guelph, with a Crime Index of 34.4, is another city where the community plays a big role in safety. The city works closely with its police to prevent crime. Local people are actively involved in crime prevention programs, making the city safer. Thanks to proactive policing and community support, Guelph remains a very safe place to live.
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Victoria, British Columbia: Victoria has a Crime Index of 41.3. The city focuses on preventing property crimes, which are the most common type of crime. Police work closely with local organizations to address crime and keep the community safe. These community-focused efforts help keep crime levels low, making Victoria a secure place for residents.
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Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax has a higher crime rate than some other cities, with 3,823 crimes reported per 100,000 people. However, it remains safe because of its efficient police force and community programs designed to prevent crime. The city’s emergency services are effective, and people work together to reduce crime and maintain safety.
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Toronto, Ontario: Toronto, being the largest city in Canada, has a Crime Index of 43.4. While it faces more challenges due to its size, it remains relatively safe. Toronto uses good policing and community programs to control crime, including education and outreach efforts. These measures help keep crime levels lower than expected for such a large city.
In simple terms, these cities are considered safe because they have effective policing, active community involvement, and significant investments in public safety. All of this helps keep crime rates low and makes these Canadian cities some of the safest in Canada this year.
Practical Tips to Stay Safe in Canada’s Most Dangerous Cities
Follow these helpful tips to keep you safe in Canada’s most unsafe cities:
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Stay connected with mobile data: Keep your phone accessible in case of emergencies and to quickly access mobile data. This will allow you to contact family or emergency services when necessary. Using Yoho Mobile eSIM is especially beneficial in Canadian cities with higher crime rates, ensuring you’re always connected and informed.
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Be aware of your surroundings: Don’t get distracted by your phone while walking, especially in places like downtown Vancouver or Winnipeg, where crime can happen.
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Don’t walk alone at night: Stick to well-lit areas with other people. Walking in groups is safer and helps prevent crime.
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Be careful on public transit: Transit like SkyTrain is generally safe, but pickpockets or scams can still happen. Keep your stuff secure, especially at night.
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Watch out for wildlife: In rural areas, be aware of bears and other wildlife. Learn how to stay safe and always hike with someone or tell someone where you’re going.
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Use trusted transportation: Take rides from known companies or use rideshare apps like Uber, especially at night. Don’t take rides from strangers.
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Don’t stand out as a tourist: Avoid showing off expensive items or talking loudly about your travel plans. This helps prevent attracting thieves.
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Hide your valuables: Keep things like jewelry and electronics out of sight. Use secure bags and keep your wallet and phone safe.
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Research neighborhoods: Some areas in cities like Winnipeg or Vancouver have more crime. Look up which areas to avoid before you go.
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Be careful with money: Use card payments instead of carrying a lot of cash, and keep an eye on your statements for any suspicious activity.
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Stay calm in risky situations: If someone acting suspiciously approaches you, stay calm, don’t get into a confrontation, and leave the area.
Picture by James Wheeler on Pexels
Canadian Crime FAQs to Know Before You Visit
What is the Crime Severity Index (CSI)?
The Crime Severity Index (CSI) is a way to measure how serious crimes are in Canada. It takes into account both how many crimes happen and how serious they are. More serious crimes, like violent ones, are given more weight, while less serious crimes are given less weight. The index includes all crimes like theft, assault, and drug offenses, and it uses 2006 as a reference point for comparison. The CSI is helpful because it gives a more accurate picture of crime, unlike traditional crime rates, which treat all crimes as equal.
Is crime worse in smaller cities or larger urban centers?
Crime rates vary between small towns and big cities, and the types of crimes differ. Big cities usually have more violent crimes, like murders and robberies, because there are more people and more wealth, and it’s easier for criminals to blend in. In fact, violent crime rates in big cities are often about twice as high as in smaller towns. But some small cities, like Pine Bluff, Arkansas, can have crime rates that are worse than larger cities, like St. Louis. In rural areas, there are often more murders but fewer property crimes, like theft or burglary.
What is the most dangerous province in Canada?
Saskatchewan is the most dangerous province in Canada when it comes to murders, with 6.19 murders for every 100,000 people in 2023. This is much higher than the national average of 2.25. The main reasons for this include gang violence, money problems, and drug or alcohol abuse. Manitoba also has a high murder rate, at 5.09 per 100,000, due to similar issues like poverty and inequality.
What are the most dangerous cities in Ontario?
The most dangerous cities in Ontario in 2025 are Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Windsor, Brantford, and Hamilton. Thunder Bay has a lot of violent crime and problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Sudbury has many property crimes like break-ins and car thefts. Windsor, Brantford, and Hamilton also have higher crime rates because of things like economic problems, substance abuse, and social issues. These factors make crime worse in these cities compared to others in Ontario.
What are the most dangerous places in Canada due to animal encounters?
The most dangerous places in Canada for animal encounters include Alberta, which recorded 3,726 wildlife attacks from 2010 to 2021, mostly involving elk and grizzly bears; British Columbia had over 1,200 bear-related incidents from 2010 to 2020. Prince George, BC, is especially risky because of black bears, with 236 killed between 2015 and 2022. Saskatchewan also faces dangers from elk and black bears. Nunavut and Yukon see polar bear encounters, but they happen less often compared to the other regions.